Find clear, authoritative answers about CILG membership, qualifications, professional certification, governance standards, and more.
The Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (CILG) is a globally recognised professional body dedicated to advancing professional excellence in leadership, corporate governance, organisational management, and public administration. Incorporated in the United States of America, CILG serves as a standard-setting institution that benchmarks leadership and governance competencies against internationally recognised best practices.
CILG advances the profession through an internationally accredited Professional Qualification Framework, rigorous membership pathways, structured CPD requirements, and a growing global community of practitioners across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
CILG is a registered professional body incorporated in the United States of America, with registration spanning New Mexico, Alaska, and Michigan. Its global secretariat is located at 2222 W. Grand River Ave STE A, Okemos, MI 48864, USA. CILG operates internationally and its designations and qualifications are recognised by member organisations and institutions across multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
CILG's core objectives include: promoting excellence in leadership and governance practice globally; establishing and maintaining rigorous professional standards and a code of ethics; providing internationally recognised qualifications and credentials; building a global network of governance and leadership professionals; supporting Continuing Professional Development (CPD); and advancing research and knowledge in the fields of leadership and governance. For the full objectives framework, visit the Objectives page.
CILG is governed by its Board of Governors, which provides strategic oversight and ensures the Institute operates in accordance with its charter, values, and professional standards. The Board includes distinguished professionals from diverse sectors across multiple countries. CILG also appoints Country Directors to represent the Institute's interests and coordinate activities in specific regions. You can view the full governing structure on the Board of Governors and Country Directors pages.
General enquiries: info@cilgglobal.org | Admissions: admissions@cilgglobal.org | Membership: membership@cilgglobal.org | Partnerships: partnerships@cilgglobal.org | Research: research@cilgglobal.org | Media: media@cilgglobal.org | Phone: +1 (575) 329-8396. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET). Visit the Contact page for more options.
CILG's membership framework is structured as a progressive professional pathway aligned to its five-level Qualification Framework:
Each grade carries specific post-nominal designatory letters that members are entitled to use after their names. Visit the Membership Grades page for full entry criteria.
Eligibility is linked directly to progression through the CILG Qualification Framework. In general, each membership grade requires: completion of the corresponding CILG qualification level (or approved Recognition of Prior Learning); relevant professional experience (increasing with each grade — from 2 years at Associate level to 8+ years at Fellow level); commitment to CILG's Code of Professional Conduct; and CPD compliance (for Affiliate level and above). If you are unsure which grade applies to you, contact membership@cilgglobal.org for guidance.
Applications are submitted through the CILG Application Portal. The process involves: selecting the appropriate membership grade; completing the online application form; uploading supporting documents (qualification certificates, CV, professional references); paying the applicable membership fee; and signing the CILG Code of Professional Conduct. Start your application at the Application Portal.
These designatory letters are internationally recognised marks of professional distinction in leadership and governance. Members must maintain their membership in good standing and meet annual CPD requirements to continue using them.
Yes. CILG's membership framework is explicitly designed as a progressive career pathway. Members advance through grades by completing the corresponding qualification level, accumulating the required professional experience, and demonstrating continued CPD compliance. Each progression is subject to a formal application and assessment process. Contact membership@cilgglobal.org to discuss your progression eligibility.
Yes, CILG membership is subject to annual renewal. Renewal requires members to: pay the annual subscription fee for their membership grade; demonstrate completion of their CPD obligations for the year; and confirm continued adherence to CILG's Code of Professional Conduct. Members who fail to renew may lose their right to use CILG designatory letters until membership is reinstated.
CILG's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy allows candidates with substantial professional experience or prior qualifications to apply for exemptions from specific modules at Levels 2–4. RPL applications are assessed by the CILG Exemptions Committee. At Level 4, RPL is limited to a maximum of one module. No exemptions are permitted at Level 5 (Expert Level), which must be completed in full. Contact admissions@cilgglobal.org to enquire about RPL eligibility.
CILG operates a five-level Professional Qualification Framework (PQF) in Leadership and Governance: Level 1 Foundation (Certificate), Level 2 Knowledge (Diploma → AfCILG), Level 3 Skills (Advanced Diploma → ACILG), Level 4 Professional (Executive Diploma → MCILG), Level 5 Expert (Chartered Professional → FCILG). Each level comprises five modules. See the Qualification Framework for full programme outlines.
Yes. CILG qualifications are designed to meet international standards in professional education and draw conceptual alignment from globally respected frameworks including those of ACCA, CIMA, CIPD, and the Institute of Directors (IoD). They are recognised across CILG's global membership network, with employers and institutions spanning multiple countries across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia.
Entry requirements differ by level — from high school diploma for Level 1 to completion of prior levels and progressive professional experience (2–8 years) for higher levels. Full criteria are on the Qualifications page.
Assessment methods increase in rigour at each level — from written examinations (Levels 1–2) to strategic assignments, portfolio evidence, and oral defence at Levels 4–5. Minimum pass mark is 50% per module.
The CILG Professional Qualification Framework (PQF) is a competency-based model — rather than a purely academic credits model — meaning progression is determined by demonstrated professional knowledge, practical application, and real-world competence. It is built around five progressive levels, each comprising five rigorously designed modules.
Completion of a CILG qualification level is the primary pathway to the corresponding membership grade. However, membership conferral requires a separate application process including verification of professional experience, professional references, payment of the membership fee, and signing of the Code of Professional Conduct.
CILG awards professional certifications that validate specific competencies in leadership and governance. Full details of available certifications are on the Professional Certification page.
CILG's Code of Professional Conduct sets out core principles: integrity, accountability, transparency, respect, and commitment to CPD. All members must uphold the Code.
Employers can verify credentials through the official CILG Verification Portal. Guidance on the verification process is available on the Certification Verification Guidelines page.
Try a different search term, or contact us and we'll answer your question directly.
Join a global community of governance and leadership professionals. Gain internationally recognised designatory letters, CPD access, and the credentials that set you apart.